James Dickerson Obituary

James Claudy Dickerson, Jr. of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away peacefully at home with family on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the age of 81. James was born on May 1, 1944, to James Claudy Dickerson, Sr. and Elsie Ray Morris in Oxford, Granville County, NC. From childhood, James was an avid sportsman. At Oxford High (class of 1962), he was a letterman in varsity football and played on the baseball and basketball teams. Due to his athleticism, he was selected to serve in the US Army 5th Special Forces Group in 1965-66. He was a lifelong fan of the sports teams of his alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill (political science 1970). In his 30s, he played amateur competitive tennis and won championship trophies. Before his retirement from a career in business, he enjoyed traveling the USA with his wife, Sharon (Sunny) Dickerson, recruiting young football players for Offense-Defense Football Camps. James always had an energetic, entrepreneurial spirit, working his way through college and then co-owning and operating 5 retail stores between 1969-1978, including Nits, Nats, etc. in Oxford, NC. He was a whiz with numbers, amazing his children with his mental mathematical skills, which led him into financial advisory services for Prudential Securities for a time. He also spent many years as a recruiter for engineers with Dunhill Personnel. Never a dull man, James was also a music lover. In the late 1970s, he co-owned Leather and Sound, a record shop in Boone, NC. He attended many concerts throughout his life and found joy in listening to all types of music, but especially softer, melodic tunes influenced by rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz. This spirit carried over to his expression of faith. He found a home for many years in Christ United Methodist Church (Myrtle Beach), and most recently attended Grand Strand Community Church. He loved to sing in crowds and listen to his daughter Farrah lead worship. His love for the Lord never faltered even through his sickness and he continued to give God the glory in all things through Jesus Christ. It was clear to those who knew him that James was dedicated to his family and community. When his wife, Sunny, suffered a stroke and was on life support, he spent 18 months at her hospital bedside, bringing her comfort and encouraging her recovery. During his time at Offense-Defense, he served as a chaplain for young people and their families. As an active member of Christ United, James led prayer and bible groups. Even at his lowest points in life, James supported others in their spiritual difficulties. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Sharon (Sunny) Dickerson, and his brother, Younger Blanton Dickerson, of Darlington, SC. He is survived by his daughters, Olivia McLaren (Billy) and Farrah Dickerson (Cody), his sister, Doris Dickerson Blackwell, sister-in-law Betty Goodson Dickerson, and his six grandchildren, Kayden McLaren and James Paul, Isaac, Isaiah, David, and Callie Kitterman. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Michael Jesenick, Aaron Ray Thompson, Jeannette Johnson, and Christina Thompson, and their children and grandchildren, as well as his nieces and nephews. James also leaves behind many dear friends, whose companionship he cherished. A memorial service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 4:00 pm, at Grand Strand Community Church, 3820 Holmestown Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Claudy Dickerson Jr., please visit our floral store.